Vulvar cancer risk factors
Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing vulvar cancer. Having one or more risk factors doesn’t mean you’ll have the disease and some people without any known risk factors may still develop the condition. The following are the most important risk factors you should be aware of.
- Age: Risk for developing vulvar cancer increases with age, particularly after age 50, with the average diagnosis occurring around age 65.
- HPV infection: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a significant risk factor, especially for certain high-risk strains like HPV 16 and HPV 18. HPV can be transmitted through sexual contact.
- Smoking: Smoking exposes the body to carcinogenic chemicals that can increase the risk of vulvar cancer, particularly in people with HPV.
- Lichen sclerosus: This rare autoimmune disorder causes thinning and itching of the vulvar skin and can increase the risk of cancer if left untreated.
- Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN): People who have this precancerous condition have an increased risk of developing invasive vulvar cancer.
- Other genital cancers: A history of cervical or other genital cancers can increase the risk of developing vulvar cancer due to shared risk factors like HPV.
- Melanoma: A history of melanoma or atypical moles elsewhere on the body raises the risk of developing melanoma on the vulva.
Vulvar cancer prevention
While there is no standard screening for vulvar cancer, an annual gynecologic exam can help you manage your vulvar cancer risks. If you detect a lesion on your vulva or experience any itching, bleeding or pain, talk to your gynecologist about which prevention methods would be best for you. The following are helpful steps you can take to significantly reduce your risk.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major risk factor for vulvar cancer. HPV spread through skin-to-skin contact, including during sexual contact. Limiting the number of sexual partners and avoiding contact with individuals who have had many partners can reduce your risk. However, since HPV is common and often symptomless, it’s difficult to avoid entirely.
HPV testing is often done during a Pap test and can detect types of HPV that place people at higher risk of developing vulvar cancer.
Condoms can provide some protection against HPV, though they don’t cover all potentially infected areas. They are still useful in reducing the risk of HPV and other sexually transmitted infections.
Vaccines are available to protect against high-risk HPV strains, including those most likely to cause cancer. Vaccination is most effective before exposure to HPV, typically before becoming sexually active.
Smoking increases the risk of vulvar cancer and many other cancers. Avoiding smoking can lower your risk.
Regular gynecologic exams can detect precancerous conditions early. Report any symptoms like vulvar itching, rashes, moles, or lumps to your healthcare provider. Early detection and treatment of conditions like vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) can prevent progression to cancer.
Regular self-examinations of the vulva can help you notice any changes, such as new growths or sores. Use a mirror to check for abnormalities and report any concerns to your doctor.
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Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.